“Unfortunately, there are still a lot of misinformation and myths about ADHD,” she said. “Most people think about the classic little boy running around and a lot of people look at these kids as undisciplined or kids who receive inadequate parenting.”

This is incorrect, she added, and because ADHD is on a spectrum, it can look several ways in children. “ADHD is much more complex, some kids portray the total opposite .”

ADHD in children has three presentations. There are children with combined ADHD, which means they have all three primary symptoms of the disorder: difficulty regulating attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Others are known as primarily inattentive, meaning they have difficulty regulating attention, Bernhardt said. And lastly, and this is rare, there is a presentation called primarily hyperactive.

Signs to look out for

There are several red flags parents can keep an eye out for.

“The biggest thing is the child is not functioning at the same level as kids their age, taking into consideration there is a wide level of functioning that is considered ‘normal.'”

She added sometimes children with ADHD are not able to stick to a task, even if that means playing a game or taking part in an activity they usually enjoy. “They are not able to be attentive or stay involved.”

Another sign to look out for is if your child is excessively hyperactive, moves a lot or has a hard time staying calm. They may also have a hard time sticking to quiet activities.

“And if a child is impulsive, they don’t think before they do something — sometimes they can run out on the street without thinking, even though they are reminded not to a hundred times.

Treatment options

Treatments aren’t just medical. Bernhardt said the most important form of treatment is education. Next, focus on a home strategy. ADHD is diagnosed by a pediatrician, child psychiatrist or psychologist.

“There are other ways for parents to learn about ADHD through webinars or online resources.”

A doctor can direct you to the right medication, but Bernhardt also recommended tutoring, family therapy, keeping your child active and making sure they eat a healthy diet.

“Try to set up a good bedtime and sleep routine. It’s almost an impairment that comes with ADHD, the more parents can have routine, the better.”